Frequently Asked Wedding & Ceremony Questions

What identification documents does a Celebrant need to see?

Your original Birth Certificate and current photo ID or a passport is required for both parties.

If either of you has been previously married, then you must provide evidence of the termination of the marriage. This can be in the form of an original of your final divorce papers or if one of the parties is a widow, an original death certificate.

Please ensure that all the documents you provide are the originals, and if the originals are not in English, then a qualified interpreter must translate them.

How long before our wedding must we sign our forms?

Your Marriage Celebrant must receive a completed Notice of Intended Marriage form at least one month before the wedding. You can give it to your celebrant up to eighteen months beforehand and it still remains valid during that period.

Can we have the wedding sooner than the minimum notice period?

Couples can apply to shorten the minimum notice period by making an application to a ‘Prescribed Authority’, located at your Local Magistrates Court or the Registrar of Births Deaths and Marriages. The prescribed authority can shorten the required period of notice if they are satisfied that the circumstances prescribed in the Regulations are met.

There are five categories of circumstances set out in the Regulations.

Employment–related or other travel commitments

Wedding or celebration arrangements, or religious considerations

Medical reasons

Legal proceedings, and

Error in giving notice.

And, importantly, lodging an application does not automatically mean a shortening of time will be granted.

How many witnesses do we need?

You need two persons as witnesses. They must speak and understand English, and be at least 18 years of age.

How long will the ceremony take?

Normally between 20-30 minutes, depending on how many readings you have, how many elements you include in your service, and how long the signing photographs take.

Can we have a surprise wedding?

You can have a surprise wedding for your guests, but you can’t have a surprise wedding for your intended spouse.

Both of you need to be fully aware that you are getting married.

In what name does the Bride sign the Marriage certificate?

On her wedding day, the bride must sign the marriage certificate and other documents with her maiden name, or her married name if she was previously married and still uses that name. All of the signatures must be the same across all documents.

Can my children give me away?

They certainly can, if that is what you want to do.

Should we have music during the ceremony?

I recommend that you choose to have music for your ceremony, it is another way of personalising your ceremony. One track at the start, for your arrival, and one to be played during the signing and one at the end of the ceremony.

Can we write our own vows?

Yes, you can as long as the required legal wording is included.

How much are your fees?

I prefer not to discuss my fees with couples until we have met and until I have heard about the chosen venue and the type of ceremony they would like.

My ceremonies are premium and personalised for each couple and I take time to make it perfect and a ceremony to cherish.

For elopement type or mid-week weddings we can discuss a special package, which may not include all of the following items.

What do you do, exactly?

My services as your wedding celebrant will include:

A personally written marriage ceremony and as many face to face meetings as we need until it’s perfect;

My attendance at your venue of choice, inside or outside;

Unlimited email exchange;

Lodgement of Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) and getting all of the legal aspects of your marriage finalised;

Access to choices of readings, poems, music and rituals;

Provision of items for rituals such as candles, sand and pouring vessels;

Preparation and lodgement of all necessary documentation with appropriate authorities within a week of the solemnisation of your marriage;

Can you offer other ceremonies or services?

I am also available for other special ceremonies such as:

Baby naming,

Wedding vow renewals,

Commitment ceremonies,

Special or milestone birthdays

None of these ceremonies have a legal component so you will be able to have a ceremony that is entirely written to suit you. It will be personal and meaningful and include those people who are special to you and make the celebration exactly as you would like.

You can even make some of these ceremonies a surprise for party guests, I’m really good at keeping secrets!

My services for these ceremonies will include:

A personally written ceremony and as many face to face meetings as we need until it’s perfect;

My attendance at your venue of choice, inside or outside;

Unlimited email exchange;

Access to choices of readings, poems, music and rituals;

Provision of items for rituals such as candles, sand and pouring vessels;